Re: 580EX II will not fire when attached to Canon 60D

I don't think there is any option to disable the flash (except for the non-flash mode on the mode dial).

The 580EX II is known for having poor contacts - the pins are more rounded than other flashes. This might be the cause...you should make sure that all the pins on the flash are moving freely - they are spring-loaded (not stuck). You might want to clean the flash and camera contacts and remember to wiggle the flash and make sure it's properly seated and locked.

Re: 580EX II will not fire when attached to Canon 60D

The 580EX II had a known issue where the screws that hold the foot plate on would get a bit loose and this would result in the pins failing to get a good contact. If the plate is loose then you'd notice that the flash is a bit wobbly on the camera -- even when the locking lever is clamped down to secure it.

Canon once had a special service program to repair it. In Canon's service they didn't just snug down the loose screws... they replaced the plate with a better model that had better pins as well. But if the program is no longer offered (i'ts been many years -- you should check with them as it wouldn't surprise me if the program is no longer offered) you can likely fix it yourself -- there are numerous videos that walk through the process and it's not very difficult.

Four screws hold the foot assembly in place. Once removed you can gently open that (there is a wiring harness attached so open it up gently). On the inside there are four screws that hold the metal foot plate to the base of the foot. Those screws are the ones that are known for coming lose.

As TCCampbell stated...except if your 580EXII doesn't work with the 60D, it won't work with the 5DMarkII either. It's not because the 60D is too new to work with this flash. I'm using a 580EXII with my 5D Mark III and 7D Mark II (which is newer than the 60D) without any problems.

Re: 580EX II will not fire when attached to Canon 60D

It worked fine on my 5D so this must mean it will work with a 5D MII. It's strange it worked on my 60D for a month after I bought it then it stopped working. Anyway want to grow my photo skills and what I can afford now is a used Canon DSLR.

Question for you all...

I have a 60D and want better quality with a budget of 1200$. Should I buy an "L" series lens or a 5D MII or 6D. I know I'll need a lens that fits a full frame sensor so perhaps I start there?

Should I buy used Tameron/Sigma or stick with Canon?

I may be able to get used L lens and 5D MII with my buudget.

What I know is I work as a product photographer full time and deliver photos for E-commerce and my company is completely satisfied with the quality I am providing (with a lot of post work) but I am not. When I compare my shoots with the professional community I see a marked difference in quality. I want to do better and get better.